Management of non-terrestrial-network node cells and terrestrial network node cells

Abstract

Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may obtain an indication of a location associated with a terrestrial network (TN) node cell that at least partially overlaps a non-TN (NTN) node cell. The UE may perform, based at least in part on the location associated with the TN node cell, a location associated with the UE, and the UE being camped on the NTN node cell, a cell search for the TN node cell. Numerous other aspects are described.

Description

MANAGEMENT OF NON-TERRESTRIAL-NETWORK NODE CELLS AND TERRESTRIAL NETWORK NODE CELLSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This Patent Application claims priority India Provisional Patent Application No. 202341075147, filed onNovember 03, 2023, entitled “MANAGEMENT OF NON- TERRESTRIAL-NETWORK NODE CELLS AND TERRESTRIAL NETWORK NODE CELLS,” and assigned to the assignee hereof. The disclosure of the prior Application is considered part of and is incorporated by reference into this Patent Application.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication and to techniques and apparatuses for management of non-terrestrial network (NTN) node cells and terrestrial network (TN) node cells.BACKGROUND

[0003] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various telecommunication services such as telephony, video, data, messaging, and broadcasts. Typical wireless communication systems may employ multiple-access technologies capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., bandwidth, transmit power, or the like). Examples of such multiple-access technologies include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems, single-carrier frequency division multiple access (SC- FDMA) systems, time division synchronous code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA) systems, and Long Term Evolution (LTE). LTE / LTE-Advanced is a set of enhancements to the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) mobile standard promulgated by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3 GPP).

[0004] A wireless network may include one or more network nodes that support communication for wireless communication devices, such as a user equipment (UE) or multiple UEs. A UE may communicate with a network node via downlink communications and uplink communications. “Downlink” (or “DL”) refers to a communication link from the network node to the UE, and “uplink” (or “UL”) refers to a communication link from the UE to the network node. Some wireless networks may support device-to-device communication, such as via a local link (e.g., a sidelink (SL), a wireless local area network (WLAN) link, and / or a wireless personal area network (WPAN) link, among other examples).

[0005] The above multiple access technologies have been adopted in various telecommunication standards to provide a common protocol that enables different UEs to communicate on a municipal, national, regional, and / or global level. New Radio (NR), which may be referred to as 5G, is a set of enhancements to the LTE mobile standard promulgated by the 3GPP. NR is designed to better support mobile broadband internet access by improving spectral efficiency, lowering costs, improving services, making use of new spectrum, and better integrating with other open standards using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) with a cyclic prefix (CP) (CP-OFDM) on the downlink, using CP-OFDM and / or single-carrier frequency division multiplexing (SC-FDM) (also known as discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM)) on the uplink, as well as supporting beamforming, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna technology, and carrier aggregation. As the demand for mobile broadband access continues to increase, further improvements in LTE, NR, and other radio access technologies remain useful.SUMMARY

[0006] Some aspects described herein relate to a user equipment (UE) for wireless communication. The UE may include one or more memories and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories. The one or more processors may be configured to cause the UE to obtain an indication of a location associated with a terrestrial network (TN) node cell that at least partially overlaps a non-TN (NTN) node cell. The one or more processors may be configured to cause the UE to perform, based at least in part on the location associated with the TN node cell, a location associated with the UE, and the UE being camped on the NTN node cell, a cell search for the TN node cell.

[0007] Some aspects described herein relate to an NTN node for wireless communication. The NTN node may include one or more memories and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories. The one or more processors may be configured to cause the NTN node to obtain an indication of a location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps with an NTN node cell associated with the NTN node. The one or more processors may be configured to cause the NTN node to output a signal that indicates the location associated with the TN node cell.

[0008] Some aspects described herein relate to a method of wireless communication performed by a UE. The method may include obtaining an indication of a location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps an NTN node cell. The method may include performing, based at least in part on the location associated with the TN node cell, a location associated with the UE, and the UE being camped on the NTN node cell, a cell search for the TN node cell.

[0009] Some aspects described herein relate to a method of wireless communication performed by an NTN node. The method may include obtaining an indication of a location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps with an NTN node cell associated with the NTN node. The method may include outputting a signal that indicates the location associated with the TN node cell.

[0010] Some aspects described herein relate to a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores a set of instructions for wireless communication. The set of instructions comprises one or more instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a UE, may cause the UE to obtain an indication of a location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps an NTN node cell. The set of instructions comprises one or more instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of the UE, may cause the UE to perform, based at least in part on the location associated with the TN node cell, a location associated with the UE, and the UE being camped on the NTN node cell, a cell search for the TN node cell.

[0011] Some aspects described herein relate to a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores a set of instructions for wireless communication. The set of instructions comprises one or more instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an NTN node, may cause the NTN node to obtain an indication of a location associated with a terrestrial network TN node cell that at least partially overlaps with an NTN node cell associated with the NTN node. The set of instructions comprises one or more instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of the NTN node, may cause the NTN node to output a signal that indicates the location associated with the TN node cell.

[0012] Some aspects described herein relate to an apparatus for wireless communication.The apparatus may include means for obtaining an indication of a location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps an NTN node cell. The apparatus may include means for performing, based at least in part on the location associated with the TN node cell, a location associated with the apparatus, and the apparatus being camped on the NTN node cell, a cell search for the TN node cell.

[0013] Some aspects described herein relate to an apparatus for wireless communication.The apparatus may include means for obtaining an indication of a location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps with an NTN node cell associated with the apparatus. The apparatus may include means for outputting a signal that indicates the location associated with the TN node cell.

[0014] Aspects generally include a method, apparatus, system, computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, user equipment, base station, network entity, network node, wireless communication device, and / or processing system as substantially described herein with reference to and as illustrated by the drawings and specification.

[0015] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of examples according to the disclosure in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages will be described hereinafter. The conception and specific examples disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the appended claims. Characteristics of the concepts disclosed herein, both their organization and method of operation, together with associated advantages, will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. Each of the figures is provided for the purposes of illustration and description, and not as a definition of the limits of the claims.

[0016] While aspects are described in the present disclosure by illustration to some examples, those skilled in the art will understand that such aspects may be implemented in many different arrangements and scenarios. Techniques described herein may be implemented using different platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, and / or packaging arrangements. For example, some aspects may be implemented via integrated chip embodiments or other non-modulecomponent based devices (e.g., end-user devices, vehicles, communication devices, computing devices, industrial equipment, rctail / purchasing devices, medical devices, and / or artificial intelligence devices). Aspects may be implemented in chip-level components, modular components, non-modular components, non-chip-level components, device-level components, and / or system-level components. Devices incorporating described aspects and features may include additional components and features for implementation and practice of claimed and described aspects. For example, transmission and reception of wireless signals may include one or more components for analog and digital purposes (e.g., hardware components including antennas, radio frequency (RF) chains, power amplifiers, modulators, buffers, processors, interleavers, adders, and / or summers). It is intended that aspects described herein may be practiced in a wide variety of devices, components, systems, distributed arrangements, and / or end-user devices of varying size, shape, and constitution.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] So that the above-recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to aspects, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only certain typical aspects of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the description may admit to other equally effective aspects. The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements.

[0018] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless network, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0019] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network node in communication with a user equipment (UE) in a wireless network, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0020] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example disaggregated base station architecture, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0021] Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a regenerative satellite deployment and an example of a transparent satellite deployment in a non-terrestrial network, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0022] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of non-terrestrial network (NTN) node and terrestrial network (TN) node deployment, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0023] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example associated with managing NTN node cells and TN node cells, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0024] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example associated with network-assisted mobility from an NTN to a TN, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0025] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example associated with network-assisted mobility from the NTN to the TN using a system information block (SIB), in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0026] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example associated with network-assisted mobility from the NTN to the TN using a SIB that is configured based at least in part on a registered UE location, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0027] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example associated with network-assisted mobility from the NTN to the TN using a plurality of SIBs that contain respective indications of locations associated TN node cells that at least partially overlap an NTN node cell, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example associated with UE autonomous mobility from the NTN to the TN, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0029] Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example associated with UE autonomous mobility from the NTN to the TN based on increasing periodic search intervals for TN neighbors, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0030] Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example process performed, for example, by a UE, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0031] Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example process performed, for example, by an NTN node, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0032] Fig. 15 is a diagram of an example apparatus for wireless communication, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0033] Fig. 16 is a diagram of an example apparatus for wireless communication, in accordance with the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Cell coverage provided by the non-terrestrial network (NTN) node (e.g., a satellite) is greater than the cell coverage provided by the terrestrial network (TN) nodes (e.g., the NTN node cell covers all of the TN node cells). A user equipment (UE) may operate in a radio resource control (RRC) idle or inactive mode and camp on a cell if active communication is not required by the UE. A UE that has selected a cell and that is monitoring the control channel of the cell is said to be “camped” on the cell. Camping on the NTN node cell, as opposed to the TN node cell, increases propagation delay and risks service discontinuity. As a result, RRC idle or inactive UEs camped on the NTN node cell may improve communication by selecting (or reselecting) a TN node cell to camp on. However, TN neighbor cell measurements performed by a UE camped on the NTN node cell to timely identify a TN node cell may consume UE power.

[0035] For example, because the coverage of the NTN node cell is larger than that of the TN node cells, if a UE camped on the NTN node cell consistently performs neighbor cell measurements for a TN node cell (e.g., due to a reselection priority of TN node frequencies being greater than a reselection priority of NTN node frequencies), the UE may be unable to detect a signal from any neighboring TN node cells. While a UE camped on an NTN node cell could timely discover the TN node cell, the UE is usually unable to detect a signal from any neighboring TN node cells because, in the most areas within the NTN node cell, there is often no coverage of TN node cells.

[0036] As a result, UEs camped on an NTN node cell may expend power performing neighbor cell searches when the UE is not within coverage of any TN node cells. A UE could perform TN neighbor cell measurements according to an reference signal received power (RSRP) threshold of the NTN serving cell (e.g., for an intra-frequency case or a lower-priority TN frequency case), but the UE may nonetheless consume power by performing the cell searches in geographic areas where TN coverage is not available.

[0037] Various aspects relate generally to NTNs. Some aspects more specifically relate to management of NTN cells and TN cell. In some examples, a UE may obtain an indication of a location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps an NTN node cell. In a first aspect involving network-assisted mobility from the NTN to the TN, the UE may receive the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell from an NTN node associated with the NTN node cell. In a second aspect involving UE autonomous mobility from NTN to TN, the UE may detect the TN node cell and store the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell in a database.

[0038] The UE may perform, based at least in part on the location associated with the TN node cell, a location associated with the UE, and the UE being camped on the NTN node cell, a cell search for the TN node cell. For example, the UE may determine that a difference between the location associated with the UE and the location associated with the TN node cell is below a threshold (e.g., the UE may determine that the UE is within a threshold distance from the location associated with the TN node cell). The cell search may involve the UE determining whether the TN node cell is available (e.g., by monitoring for a signal from the TN node cell).

[0039] Particular aspects of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented to realize one or more of the following potential advantages. In some examples, by performing the cell search for the TN node cell based at least in part on the location associated with the TN node cell, a location associated with the UE, and the UE being camped on the NTN node cell the described techniques can be used to reduce UE power consumption. For example, rather than performing the cell search consistently, the UE may perform the cell search based on the UE being within coverage of TN node cell. Thus, the UE may reduce power consumed due to neighbor cell searches performed when the UE is not within coverage of any TN node cells.

[0040] Receiving the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell from the NTN node, in accordance with the first aspect involving network-assisted mobility, may help to ensure that the UE receives indications of locations associated with many or all TN node cells that at least partially overlap with the NTN node cell. As a result, the UE may switch from the NTN node cell to a TN node cell faster than the UE could if the UE obtained fewer indications of locations of TN node cells that at least partially overlap with the NTN node cell. Detecting the TN node cell and storing the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell in a database, in accordance with the second aspect involving UE autonomous mobility, may reduce signaling overhead between the UE and the NTN node.

[0041] Various aspects of the disclosure are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to any specific structure or function presented throughout this disclosure. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. One skilled in the art should appreciate that the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein, whether implemented independently of or combined with any other aspect of the disclosure. For example, an apparatus may be implemented or a method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover such an apparatus or method which is practiced using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to orother than the various aspects of the disclosure set forth herein. It should be understood that any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein may be embodied by one or more elements of a claim.

[0042] Several aspects of telecommunication systems will now be presented with reference to various apparatuses and techniques. These apparatuses and techniques will be described in the following detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings by various blocks, modules, components, circuits, steps, processes, algorithms, or the like (collectively referred to as “elements”). These elements may be implemented using hardware, software, or combinations thereof. Whether such elements are implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0043] While aspects may be described herein using terminology commonly associated with a 5G or New Radio (NR) radio access technology (RAT), aspects of the present disclosure can be applied to other RATs, such as a 3G RAT, a 4G RAT, and / or a RAT subsequent to 5G (e.g., 6G).

[0044] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless network 100, in accordance with the present disclosure. The wireless network 100 may be or may include elements of a 5G (e.g., NR) network and / or a 4G (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE)) network, among other examples. The wireless network 100 may include one or more network nodes 110 (shown as a network node 110a, a network node 110b, a network node 110c, and a network node 1 lOd), a UE 120 or multiple UEs 120 (shown as a UE 120a, a UE 120b, a UE 120c, a UE 120d, and a UE 120e), and / or other entities. A network node 110 is a network node that communicates with UEs 120. As shown, a network node 110 may include one or more network nodes. For example, a network node 110 may be an aggregated network node, meaning that the aggregated network node is configured to utilize a radio protocol stack that is physically or logically integrated within a single radio access network (RAN) node (e.g., within a single device or unit). As another example, a network node 110 may be a disaggregated network node (sometimes referred to as a disaggregated base station), meaning that the network node 110 is configured to utilize a protocol stack that is physically or logically distributed among two or more nodes (such as one or more central units (CUs), one or more distributed units (DUs), or one or more radio units (RUs)).

[0045] In some examples, a network node 110 is or includes a network node that communicates with UEs 120 via a radio access link, such as an RU. In some examples, a network node 110 is or includes a network node that communicates with other network nodes 110 via a fronthaul link or a midhaul link, such as a DU. In some examples, a network node 110 is or includes a network node that communicates with other network nodes 110 via a midhaul link or a core network via a backhaul link, such as a CU. In some examples, a network node 110 (such as an aggregated network node 110 or a disaggregated network node 110) may include multiple network nodes, such as one or more RUs, one or more CUs, and / or one or moreDUs. A network node 110 may include, for example, an NR base station, an LTE base station, a Node B, an eNB (e.g., in 4G), a gNB (e.g., in 5G), an access point, a transmission reception point (TRP), a DU, an RU, a CU, a mobility element of a network, a core network node, a network element, a network equipment, a RAN node, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the network nodes 110 may be interconnected to one another or to one or more other network nodes 110 in the wireless network 100 through various types of fronthaul, midhaul, and / or backhaul interfaces, such as a direct physical connection, an air interface, or a virtual network, using any suitable transport network.

[0046] In some examples, a network node 110 may provide communication coverage for a particular geographic area. In the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), the term “cell” can refer to a coverage area of a network node 110 and / or a network node subsystem serving this coverage area, depending on the context in which the term is used. A network node 110 may provide communication coverage for a macro cell, a pico cell, a femto cell, and / or another type of cell. A macro cell may cover a relatively large geographic area (e.g., several kilometers in radius) and may allow unrestricted access by UEs 120 with service subscriptions. A pico cell may cover a relatively small geographic area and may allow unrestricted access by UEs 120 with service subscriptions. A femto cell may cover a relatively small geographic area (e.g., a home) and may allow restricted access by UEs 120 having association with the femto cell (e.g., UEs 120 in a closed subscriber group (CSG)). A network node 110 for a macro cell may be referred to as a macro network node. A network node 110 for a pico cell may be referred to as a pico network node. A network node 110 for a femto cell may be referred to as a femto network node or an in-home network node. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the network node 110a may be a macro network node for a macro cell 102a, the network node 110b may be a pico network node for a pico cell 102b, and the network node 110c may be a femto network node for a femto cell 102c. A network node may support one or multiple (e.g., three) cells. In some examples, a cell may not necessarily be stationary, and the geographic area of the cell may move according to the location of a network node 110 that is mobile (e.g., a mobile network node).

[0047] In some aspects, the terms “base station” or “network node” may refer to an aggregated base station, a disaggregated base station, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a relay node, or one or more components thereof. For example, in some aspects, “base station” or “network node” may refer to a CU, a DU, an RU, a Near-Real Time (Near-RT) RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC), or a Non-Real Time (Non-RT) RIC, or a combination thereof. In some aspects, the terms “base station” or “network node” may refer to one device configured to perform one or more functions, such as those described herein in connection with the network node 110. In some aspects, the terms “base station” or “network node” may refer to a plurality of devices configured to perform the one or more functions. For example, in some distributed systems, each of a quantity of different devices (which may be located in the same geographiclocation or in different geographic locations) may be configured to perform at least a portion of a function, or to duplicate performance of at least a portion of the function, and the terms “base station” or “network node” may refer to any one or more of those different devices. In some aspects, the terms “base station” or “network node” may refer to one or more virtual base stations or one or more virtual base station functions. For example, in some aspects, two or more base station functions may be instantiated on a single device. In some aspects, the terms “base station” or “network node” may refer to one of the base station functions and not another. In this way, a single device may include more than one base station.

[0048] The wireless network 100 may include one or more relay stations. A relay station is a network node that can receive a transmission of data from an upstream node (e.g., a network node 110 or a UE 120) and send a transmission of the data to a downstream node (e.g., a UE 120 or a network node 110). A relay station may be a UE 120 that can relay transmissions for other UEs 120. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the network node 1 lOd (e.g., a relay network node) may communicate with the network node 110a (e.g., a macro network node) and the UE 120d in order to facilitate communication between the network node 110a and the UE 120d. A network node 110 that relays communications may be referred to as a relay station, a relay base station, a relay network node, a relay node, a relay, or the like.

[0049] The wireless network 100 may be a heterogeneous network that includes network nodes 110 of different types, such as macro network nodes, pico network nodes, femto network nodes, relay network nodes, or the like. These different types of network nodes 110 may have different transmit power levels, different coverage areas, and / or different impacts on interference in the wireless network 100. For example, macro network nodes may have a high transmit power level (e.g., 5 to 40 watts) whereas pico network nodes, femto network nodes, and relay network nodes may have lower transmit power levels (e.g., 0.1 to 2 watts).

[0050] A network controller 130 may couple to or communicate with a set of network nodes 110 and may provide coordination and control for these network nodes 110. The network controller 130 may communicate with the network nodes 110 via a backhaul communication link or a midhaul communication link. The network nodes 110 may communicate with one another directly or indirectly via a wireless or wireline backhaul communication link. In some aspects, the network controller 130 may be a CU or a core network device, or may include a CU or a core network device.

[0051] The UEs 120 may be dispersed throughout the wireless network 100, and each UE 120 may be stationary or mobile. A UE 120 may include, for example, an access terminal, a terminal, a mobile station, and / or a subscriber unit. A UE 120 may be a cellular phone (e.g., a smart phone), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless modem, a wireless communication device, a handheld device, a laptop computer, a cordless phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a tablet, a camera, a gaming device, a netbook, a smartbook, an ultrabook, a medicaldevice, a biometric device, a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch, smart clothing, smart glasses, a smart wristband, smart jewelry (e.g., a smart ring or a smart bracelet)), an entertainment device (e.g., a music device, a video device, and / or a satellite radio), a vehicular component or sensor, a smart meter / sensor, industrial manufacturing equipment, a global positioning system device, a UE function of a network node, and / or any other suitable device that is configured to communicate via a wireless or wired medium.

[0052] Some UEs 120 may be considered machine-type communication (MTC) or evolved or enhanced machine-type communication (eMTC) UEs. An MTC UE and / or an eMTC UE may include, for example, a robot, an unmanned aerial vehicle, a remote device, a sensor, a meter, a monitor, and / or a location tag, that may communicate with a network node, another device (e.g., a remote device), or some other entity. Some UEs 120 may be considered Intemet-of-Things (loT) devices, and / or may be implemented as narrowband loT (NB-IoT) devices. Some UEs 120 may be considered customer premises equipment. A UE 120 may be included inside a housing that houses components of the UE 120, such as processor components and / or memory components. In some examples, the processor components and the memory components may be coupled together. For example, the processor components (e.g., one or more processors) and the memory components (e.g., a memory) may be operatively coupled, communicatively coupled, electronically coupled, and / or electrically coupled.

[0053] In general, any number of wireless networks 100 may be deployed in a given geographic area. Each wireless network 100 may support a particular RAT and may operate on one or more frequencies. A RAT may be referred to as a radio technology, an air interface, or the like. A frequency may be referred to as a carrier, a frequency channel, or the like. Each frequency may support a single RAT in a given geographic area in order to avoid interference between wireless networks of different RATs. In some cases, NR or 5G RAT networks may be deployed.

[0054] In some examples, two or more UEs 120 (e.g., shown as UE 120a and UE 120e) may communicate directly using one or more sidelink channels (e.g., without using a network node 110 as an intermediary to communicate with one another). For example, the UEs 120 may communicate using peer-to-peer (P2P) communications, device -to -device (D2D) communications, a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) protocol (e.g., which may include a vehicle-to- vehicle (V2V) protocol, a vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) protocol, or a vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) protocol), and / or a mesh network. In such examples, a UE 120 may perform scheduling operations, resource selection operations, and / or other operations described elsewhere herein as being performed by the network node 110.

[0055] Devices of the wireless network 100 may communicate using the electromagnetic spectrum, which may be subdivided by frequency or wavelength into various classes, bands, channels, or the like. For example, devices of the wireless network 100 may communicateusing one or more operating bands. In 5G NR, two initial operating bands have been identified as frequency range designations FR1 (410 MHz - 7.125 GHz) and FR2 (24.25 GHz - 52.6 GHz). It should be understood that although a portion of FR1 is greater than 6 GHz, FR1 is often referred to (interchangeably) as a “Sub-6 GHz” band in various documents and articles. A similar nomenclature issue sometimes occurs with regard to FR2, which is often referred to (interchangeably) as a “millimeter wave” band in documents and articles, despite being different from the extremely high frequency (EHF) band (30 GHz - 300 GHz) which is identified by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) as a “millimeter wave” band.

[0056] The frequencies between FR1 and FR2 are often referred to as mid-band frequencies. Recent 5G NR studies have identified an operating band for these mid-band frequencies as frequency range designation FR3 (7.125 GHz - 24.25 GHz). Frequency bands falling within FR3 may inherit FR1 characteristics and / or FR2 characteristics, and thus may effectively extend features of FR1 and / or FR2 into mid-band frequencies. In addition, higher frequency bands are currently being explored to extend 5G NR operation beyond 52.6 GHz. For example, three higher operating bands have been identified as frequency range designations FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz - 71 GHz), FR4 (52.6 GHz - 114.25 GHz), and FR5 (114.25 GHz - 300 GHz).Each of these higher frequency bands falls within the EHF band.

[0057] With the above examples in mind, unless specifically stated otherwise, it should be understood that the term “sub-6 GHz” or the like, if used herein, may broadly represent frequencies that may be less than 6 GHz, may be within FR1, or may include mid-band frequencies. Further, unless specifically stated otherwise, it should be understood that the term “millimeter wave” or the like, if used herein, may broadly represent frequencies that may include mid-band frequencies, may be within FR2, FR4, FR4-a or FR4-1, and / or FR5, or may be within the EHF band. It is contemplated that the frequencies included in these operating bands (e.g., FR1, FR2, FR3, FR4, FR4-a, FR4-1, and / or FR5) may be modified, and techniques described herein are applicable to those modified frequency ranges.

[0058] In some aspects, the UE 120 may include a communication manager 140. As described in more detail elsewhere herein, the communication manager 140 may obtain an indication of a location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps a NTN node cell; and perform, based at least in part on the location associated with the TN node cell, a location associated with the UE 120, and the UE 120 being camped on the NTN node cell, a cell search for the TN node cell. Additionally, or alternatively, the communication manager 140 may perform one or more other operations described herein.

[0059] In some aspects, an NTN node may include a communication manager 150. As described in more detail elsewhere herein, the communication manager 150 may obtain an indication of a location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps with an NTN node cell associated with the NTN node; and output a signal that indicates the locationassociated with the TN node cell. Additionally, or alternatively, the communication manager 150 may perform one or more other operations described herein.

[0060] As indicated above, Fig. 1 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard to Fig. 1.

[0061] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example 200 of a network node 110 in communication with a UE 120 in a wireless network 100, in accordance with the present disclosure. The network node 110 may be equipped with a set of antennas 234a through 234t, such as T antennas (T> 1). The UE 120 may be equipped with a set of antennas 252a through 252r, such as R antennas (R > 1). The network node 110 of example 200 includes one or more radio frequency components, such as antennas 234 and a modem 232. In some examples, a network node 110 may include an interface, a communication component, or another component that facilitates communication with the UE 120 or another network node. Some network nodes 110 may not include radio frequency components that facilitate direct communication with the UE 120, such as one or more CUs, or one or more DUs.

[0062] At the network node 110, a transmit processor 220 may receive data, from a data source 212, intended for the UE 120 (or a set of UEs 120). The transmit processor 220 may select one or more modulation and coding schemes (MCSs) for the UE 120 based at least in part on one or more channel quality indicators (CQIs) received from that UE 120. The network node 110 may process (e.g., encode and modulate) the data for the UE 120 based at least in part on the MCS(s) selected for the UE 120 and may provide data symbols for the UE 120. The transmit processor 220 may process system information (e.g., for semi-static resource partitioning information (SRPI)) and control information (e.g., CQI requests, grants, and / or upper layer signaling) and provide overhead symbols and control symbols. The transmit processor 220 may generate reference symbols for reference signals (e.g., a cell-specific reference signal (CRS) or a demodulation reference signal (DMRS)) and synchronization signals (e.g., a primary synchronization signal (PSS) or a secondary synchronization signal (SSS)). A transmit (TX) multiple -input multiple -output (MIMO) processor 230 may perform spatial processing (e.g., precoding) on the data symbols, the control symbols, the overhead symbols, and / or the reference symbols, if applicable, and may provide a set of output symbol streams (e.g., T output symbol streams) to a corresponding set of modems 232 (e.g., T modems), shown as modems 232a through 232t. For example, each output symbol stream may be provided to a modulator component (shown as MOD) of a modem 232. Each modem 232 may use a respective modulator component to process a respective output symbol stream (e.g., for OFDM) to obtain an output sample stream. Each modem 232 may further use a respective modulator component to process (e.g., convert to analog, amplify, filter, and / or upconvert) the output sample stream to obtain a downlink signal. The modems 232a through 232t maytransmit a set of downlink signals (e.g., T downlink signals) via a corresponding set of antennas 234 (e.g., T antennas), shown as antennas 234a through 234t.

[0063] At the UE 120, a set of antennas 252 (shown as antennas 252a through 252r) may receive the downlink signals from the network node 110 and / or other network nodes 110 and may provide a set of received signals (e.g., R received signals) to a set of modems 254 (e.g., R modems), shown as modems 254a through 254r. For example, each received signal may be provided to a demodulator component (shown as DEMOD) of a modem 254. Each modem 254 may use a respective demodulator component to condition (e.g., filter, amplify, downconvert, and / or digitize) a received signal to obtain input samples. Each modem 254 may use a demodulator component to further process the input samples (e.g., for OFDM) to obtain received symbols. A MIMO detector 256 may obtain received symbols from the modems 254, may perform MIMO detection on the received symbols if applicable, and may provide detected symbols. A receive processor 258 may process (e.g., demodulate and decode) the detected symbols, may provide decoded data for the UE 120 to a data sink 260, and may provide decoded control information and system information to a controller / processor 280. The term “controller / processor” may refer to one or more controllers, one or more processors, or a combination thereof. A channel processor may determine a reference signal received power (RSRP) parameter, a received signal strength indicator (RS SI) parameter, a reference signal received quality (RSRQ) parameter, and / or a CQI parameter, among other examples. In some examples, one or more components of the UE 120 may be included in a housing 284.

[0064] The network controller 130 may include a communication unit 294, a controller / processor 290, and a memory 292. The network controller 130 may include, for example, one or more devices in a core network. The network controller 130 may communicate with the network node 110 via the communication unit 294.

[0065] One or more antennas (e.g., antennas 234a through 234t and / or antennas 252a through 252r) may include, or may be included within, one or more antenna panels, one or more antenna groups, one or more sets of antenna elements, and / or one or more antenna arrays, among other examples. An antenna panel, an antenna group, a set of antenna elements, and / or an antenna array may include one or more antenna elements (within a single housing or multiple housings), a set of coplanar antenna elements, a set of non-coplanar antenna elements, and / or one or more antenna elements coupled to one or more transmission and / or reception components, such as one or more components of Fig. 2.

[0066] On the uplink, at the UE 120, a transmit processor 264 may receive and process data from a data source 262 and control information (e.g., for reports that include RSRP, RSSI, RSRQ, and / or CQI) from the controller / processor 280. The transmit processor 264 may generate reference symbols for one or more reference signals. The symbols from the transmit processor 264 may be precoded by a TX MIMO processor 266 if applicable, further processedby the modems 254 (e.g., for DFT-s-OFDM or CP-OFDM), and transmitted to the network node 110. In some examples, the modem 254 of the UE 120 may include a modulator and a demodulator. In some examples, the UE 120 includes a transceiver. The transceiver may include any combination of the antenna(s) 252, the modem(s) 254, the MIMO detector 256, the receive processor 258, the transmit processor 264, and / or the TX MIMO processor 266. The transceiver may be used by a processor (e.g., the controller / processor 280) and the memory 282 to perform aspects of any of the methods described herein (e.g., with reference to Figs. 6-16).

[0067] At the network node 110, the uplink signals from UE 120 and / or other UEs may be received by the antennas 234, processed by the modem 232 (e.g., a demodulator component, shown as DEMOD, of the modem 232), detected by a MIMO detector 236 if applicable, and further processed by a receive processor 238 to obtain decoded data and control information sent by the UE 120. The receive processor 238 may provide the decoded data to a data sink 239 and provide the decoded control information to the controller / processor 240. The network node 110 may include a communication unit 244 and may communicate with the network controller 130 via the communication unit 244. The network node 110 may include a scheduler 246 to schedule one or more UEs 120 for downlink and / or uplink communications. In some examples, the modem 232 of the network node 110 may include a modulator and a demodulator. In some examples, the network node 110 includes a transceiver. The transceiver may include any combination of the antenna(s) 234, the modem(s) 232, the MIMO detector 236, the receive processor 238, the transmit processor 220, and / or the TX MIMO processor 230. The transceiver may be used by a processor (e.g., the controller / processor 240) and the memory 242 to perform aspects of any of the methods described herein (e.g., with reference to Figs. 6-16).

[0068] The controller / processor 240 of the network node 110, the controller / processor 280 of the UE 120, and / or any other component(s) of Fig. 2 may perform one or more techniques associated with management of NTN cells and TN cells, as described in more detail elsewhere herein. For example, the controller / processor 240 of the network node 110, the controller / processor 280 of the UE 120, and / or any other component(s) of Fig. 2 may perform or direct operations of, for example, process 1300 of Fig. 13, process 1400 of Fig. 14 and / or other processes as described herein. The memory 242 and the memory 282 may store data and program codes for the network node 110 and the UE 120, respectively. In some examples, the memory 242 and / or the memory 282 may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing one or more instructions (e.g., code and / or program code) for wireless communication. For example, the one or more instructions, when executed (e.g., directly, or after compiling, converting, and / or interpreting) by one or more processors of the network node 110 and / or the UE 120, may cause the one or more processors, the UE 120, and / or the network node 110 to perform or direct operations of, for example, process 1300 of Fig. 13, process 1400 of Fig. 14 and / or other processes as described herein. In some examples, executing instructions mayinclude running the instructions, converting the instructions, compiling the instructions, and / or interpreting the instructions, among other examples. In some aspects, the NTN node described herein is the network node 110, is included in the network node 110, or includes one or more components of the network node 110 shown in Fig. 2.

[0069] In some aspects, the UE 120 includes means for obtaining an indication of a location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps an NTN node cell; and / or means for performing, based at least in part on the location associated with the TN node cell, a location associated with the UE 120, and the UE 120 being camped on the NTN node cell, a cell search for the TN node cell. The means for the UE 120 to perform operations described herein may include, for example, one or more of communication manager 140, antenna 252, modem 254, MIMO detector 256, receive processor 258, transmit processor 264, TX MIMO processor 266, controller / processor 280, or memory 282.

[0070] In some aspects, the NTN node includes means for obtaining an indication of a location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps with an NTN node cell associated with the NTN node; and / or means for outputting a signal that indicates the location associated with the TN node cell. In some aspects, the means for the NTN node to perform operations described herein may include, for example, one or more of communication manager 150, transmit processor 220, TX MIMO processor 230, modem 232, antenna 234, MIMO detector 236, receive processor 238, controller / processor 240, memory 242, or scheduler 246.

[0071] One or more of the processors may be individually or collectively configurable or configured to perform various functions or operations described herein. In some aspects, an individual processor may perform all of the functions described as being performed by the one or more processors. In some aspects, one or more processors may collectively perform a set of functions. For example, a first set of (one or more) processors of the one or more processors may perform a first function described as being performed by the one or more processors, and a second set of (one or more) processors of the one or more processors may perform a second function described as being performed by the one or more processors. The first set of processors and the second set of processors may be the same set of processors or may be different sets of processors. Reference to “one or more processors” should be understood to refer to any one or more of the processors described in connection with Fig. 2. Reference to “one or more memories” should be understood to refer to any one or more memories of a corresponding device, such as the memory described in connection with Fig. 2. For example, functions described as being performed by one or more memories can be performed by the same subset of the one or more memories or different subsets of the one or more memories.

[0072] While blocks in Fig. 2 are illustrated as distinct components, the functions described above with respect to the blocks may be implemented in a single hardware, software, or combination component or in various combinations of components. For example, the functionsdescribed with respect to the transmit processor 264, the receive processor 258, and / or the TX MIMO processor 266 may be performed by or under the control of the controller / processor 280.

[0073] As indicated above, Fig. 2 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard to Fig. 2.

[0074] Deployment of communication systems, such as 5G NR systems, may be arranged in multiple manners with various components or constituent parts. In a 5G NR system, or network, a network node, a network entity, a mobility element of a network, a RAN node, a core network node, a network element, a base station, or a network equipment may be implemented in an aggregated or disaggregated architecture. For example, a base station (such as a Node B (NB), an evolved NB (eNB), an NR base station, a 5G NB, an access point (AP), a TRP, or a cell, among other examples), or one or more units (or one or more components) performing base station functionality, may be implemented as an aggregated base station (also known as a standalone base station or a monolithic base station) or a disaggregated base station. “Network entity” or “network node” may refer to a disaggregated base station, or to one or more units of a disaggregated base station (such as one or more CUs, one or more DUs, one or more RUs, or a combination thereof).

[0075] An aggregated base station (e.g., an aggregated network node) may be configured to utilize a radio protocol stack that is physically or logically integrated within a single RAN node (e.g., within a single device or unit). A disaggregated base station (e.g., a disaggregated network node) may be configured to utilize a protocol stack that is physically or logically distributed among two or more units (such as one or more CUs, one or more DUs, or one or more RUs). In some examples, a CU may be implemented within a network node, and one or more DUs may be co-located with the CU, or alternatively, may be geographically or virtually distributed throughout one or multiple other network nodes. The DUs may be implemented to communicate with one or more RUs. Each of the CU, DU, and RU also can be implemented as virtual units, such as a virtual central unit (VCU), a virtual distributed unit (VDU), or a virtual radio unit (VRU), among other examples.

[0076] Base station-type operation or network design may consider aggregation characteristics of base station functionality. For example, disaggregated base stations may be utilized in an IAB network, an open radio access network (O-RAN (such as the network configuration sponsored by the O-RAN Alliance)), or a virtualized radio access network (vRAN, also known as a cloud radio access network (C-RAN)) to facilitate scaling of communication systems by separating base station functionality into one or more units that can be individually deployed. A disaggregated base station may include functionality implemented across two or more units at various physical locations, as well as functionality implemented for at least one unit virtually, which can enable flexibility in network design. The various units ofthe disaggregated base station can be configured for wired or wireless communication with at least one other unit of the disaggregated base station.

[0077] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example disaggregated base station architecture 300, in accordance with the present disclosure. The disaggregated base station architecture 300 may include a CU 310 that can communicate directly with a core network 320 via a backhaul link, or indirectly with the core network 320 through one or more disaggregated control units (such as a Near-RT RIC 325 via an E2 link, or a Non-RT RIC 315 associated with a Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) Framework 305, or both). A CU 310 may communicate with one or more DUs 330 via respective midhaul links, such as through Fl interfaces. Each of the DUs 330 may communicate with one or more RUs 340 via respective fronthaul links. Each of the RUs 340 may communicate with one or more UEs 120 via respective radio frequency (RF) access links. In some implementations, a UE 120 may be simultaneously served by multiple RUs 340.

[0078] Each of the units, including the CUs 310, the DUs 330, the RUs 340, as well as the Near-RT RICs 325, the Non-RT RICs 315, and the SMO Framework 305, may include one or more interfaces or be coupled with one or more interfaces configured to receive or transmit signals, data, or information (collectively, signals) via a wired or wireless transmission medium. Each of the units, or an associated processor or controller providing instructions to one or multiple communication interfaces of the respective unit, can be configured to communicate with one or more of the other units via the transmission medium. In some examples, each of the units can include a wired interface, configured to receive or transmit signals over a wired transmission medium to one or more of the other units, and a wireless interface, which may include a receiver, a transmitter or transceiver (such as an RF transceiver), configured to receive or transmit signals, or both, over a wireless transmission medium to one or more of the other units.

[0079] In some aspects, the CU 310 may host one or more higher layer control functions. Such control functions can include radio resource control (RRC) functions, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) functions, or service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) functions, among other examples. Each control function can be implemented with an interface configured to communicate signals with other control functions hosted by the CU 310. The CU 310 may be configured to handle user plane functionality (for example, Central Unit - User Plane (CU-UP) functionality), control plane functionality (for example, Central Unit - Control Plane (CU-CP) functionality), or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the CU 310 can be logically split into one or more CU-UP units and one or more CU-CP units. A CU-UP unit can communicate bidirectionally with a CU-CP unit via an interface, such as the El interface when implemented in an O-RAN configuration. The CU 310 can be implemented to communicate with a DU 330, as necessary, for network control and signaling.

[0080] Each DU 330 may correspond to a logical unit that includes one or more base station functions to control the operation of one or more RUs 340. In some aspects, the DU 330 may host one or more of a radio link control (RLC) layer, a medium access control (MAC) layer, and one or more high physical (PHY) layers depending, at least in part, on a functional split, such as a functional split defined by the 3 GPP. In some aspects, the one or more high PHY layers may be implemented by one or more modules for forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, and modulation and demodulation, among other examples. In some aspects, the DU 330 may further host one or more low PHY layers, such as implemented by one or more modules for a fast Fourier transform (FFT), an inverse FFT (iFFT), digital beamforming, or physical random access channel (PRACH) extraction and filtering, among other examples. Each layer (which also may be referred to as a module) can be implemented with an interface configured to communicate signals with other layers (and modules) hosted by the DU 330, or with the control functions hosted by the CU 310.

[0081] Each RU 340 may implement lower-layer functionality. In some deployments, an RU 340, controlled by a DU 330, may correspond to a logical node that hosts RF processing functions or low-PHY layer functions, such as performing an FFT, performing an iFFT, digital beamforming, or PRACH extraction and filtering, among other examples, based on a functional split (for example, a functional split defined by the 3 GPP), such as a lower layer functional split. In such an architecture, each RU 340 can be operated to handle over the air (OTA) communication with one or more UEs 120. In some implementations, real-time and non-real- time aspects of control and user plane communication with the RU(s) 340 can be controlled by the corresponding DU 330. In some scenarios, this configuration can enable each DU 330 and the CU 310 to be implemented in a cloud-based RAN architecture, such as a vRAN architecture.

[0082] The SMO Framework 305 may be configured to support RAN deployment and provisioning of non-virtualized and virtualized network elements. For non-virtualized network elements, the SMO Framework 305 may be configured to support the deployment of dedicated physical resources for RAN coverage requirements, which may be managed via an operations and maintenance interface (such as an 01 interface). For virtualized network elements, the SMO Framework 305 may be configured to interact with a cloud computing platform (such as an open cloud (O-Cloud) platform 390) to perform network element life cycle management (such as to instantiate virtualized network elements) via a cloud computing platform interface (such as an 02 interface). Such virtualized network elements can include, but are not limited to, CUs 310, DUs 330, RUs 340, non-RT RICs 315, and Near-RT RICs 325. In some implementations, the SMO Framework 305 can communicate with a hardware aspect of a 4G RAN, such as an open eNB (O-eNB) 311, via an 01 interface. Additionally, in some implementations, the SMO Framework 305 can communicate directly with each of one or moreRUs 340 via a respective 01 interface. The SMO Framework 305 also may include a Non-RT RIC 315 configured to support functionality of the SMO Framework 305.

[0083] The Non-RT RIC 315 may be configured to include a logical function that enables non-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources, Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI / ML) workflows including model training and updates, or policy -based guidance of applications / features in the Near-RT RIC 325. The Non-RT RIC 315 may be coupled to or communicate with (such as via an Al interface) the Near-RT RIC 325. The Near-RT RIC 325 may be configured to include a logical function that enables near-realtime control and optimization of RAN elements and resources via data collection and actions over an interface (such as via an E2 interface) connecting one or more CUs 310, one or more DUs 330, or both, as well as an O-eNB, with the Near-RT RIC 325.

[0084] In some implementations, to generate AI / ML models to be deployed in the Near-RT RIC 325, the Non-RT RIC 315 may receive parameters or external enrichment information from external servers. Such information may be utilized by the Near-RT RIC 325 and may be received at the SMO Framework 305 or the Non-RT RIC 315 from non-network data sources or from network functions. In some examples, the Non-RT RIC 315 or the Near-RT RIC 325 may be configured to tune RAN behavior or performance. For example, the Non-RT RIC 315 may monitor long-term trends and patterns for performance and employ AI / ML models to perform corrective actions through the SMO Framework 305 (such as reconfiguration via an 01 interface) or via creation of RAN management policies (such as Al interface policies).

[0085] As indicated above, Fig. 3 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard to Fig. 3.

[0086] Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example 400 of a regenerative satellite deployment and an example 410 of a transparent satellite deployment in a non-terrestrial network, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0087] Example 400 shows a regenerative satellite deployment. In example 400, a UE 120 is served by a satellite 420 via a service link 430. For example, the satellite 420 may include a network node 110 (e.g., network node 110a) or a gNB. In some aspects, the satellite 420 may be referred to as a non-terrestrial base station, a regenerative repeater, or an on-board processing repeater. In some aspects, the satellite 420 may demodulate an uplink radio frequency signal, and may modulate a baseband signal derived from the uplink radio signal to produce a downlink radio frequency transmission. The satellite 420 may transmit the downlink radio frequency signal on the service link 430. The satellite 420 may provide a cell that covers the UE 120.

[0088] Example 410 shows a transparent satellite deployment, which may also be referred to as a bent-pipe satellite deployment. In example 410, a UE 120 is served by a satellite 440 via the service link 430. The satellite 440 may be a transparent satellite. The satellite 440 mayrelay a signal received from gateway 450 via a feeder link 460. For example, the satellite may receive an uplink radio frequency transmission, and may transmit a downlink radio frequency transmission without demodulating the uplink radio frequency transmission. In some aspects, the satellite may frequency convert the uplink radio frequency transmission received on the service link 430 to a frequency of the uplink radio frequency transmission on the feeder link 460, and may amplify and / or filter the uplink radio frequency transmission. In some aspects, the UEs 120 shown in example 400 and example 410 may be associated with a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) capability or a Global Positioning System (GPS) capability, though not all UEs have such capabilities. The satellite 440 may provide a cell that covers the UE 120.

[0089] The service link 430 may include a link between the satellite 440 and the UE 120, and may include one or more of an uplink or a downlink. The feeder link 460 may include a link between the satellite 440 and the gateway 450, and may include one or more of an uplink (e.g., from the UE 120 to the gateway 450) or a downlink (e.g., from the gateway 450 to the UE 120). An uplink of the service link 430 may be indicated by reference number 430-U (not shown in Fig. 4) and a downlink of the service link 430 may be indicated by reference number 430-D (not shown in Fig. 4). Similarly, an uplink of the feeder link 460 may be indicated by reference number 460-U (not shown in Fig. 4) and a downlink of the feeder link 460 may be indicated by reference number 460-D (not shown in Fig. 4).

[0090] The feeder link 460 and the service link 430 may each experience Doppler effects due to the movement of the satellites 420 and 440, and potentially movement of a UE 120. These Doppler effects may be significantly larger than in a terrestrial network. The Doppler effect on the feeder link 460 may be compensated for to some degree, but may still be associated with some amount of uncompensated frequency error. Furthermore, the gateway 450 may be associated with a residual frequency error, and / or the satellite 420 / 440 may be associated with an on-board frequency error. These sources of frequency error may cause a received downlink frequency at the UE 120 to drift from a target downlink frequency.

[0091] As indicated above, Fig. 4 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard to Fig. 4.

[0092] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example 500 of NTN node (e.g., a satellite) and TN node deployment, in accordance with the present disclosure. As shown, an NTN node (“GEO”) and / or one or more TN nodes may provide cellular service to one or more UEs. For example, the UEs may connect to the data network (via a core network) using a network node (e.g., an NTN node or a TN node). As shown, the cell coverage provided by the NTN node (“satellite cell”) is greater than the cell coverage provided by the TN nodes (e.g., the NTN node cell covers all of the TN node cells).

[0093] One or more of the UEs may operate in an RRC idle or inactive mode and camp on a cell if active communication is not required by the UE. A UE that has selected a cell and that is monitoring the control channel of the cell is said to be “camped” on the cell. Camping on the NTN node cell, as opposed to the TN node cell, increases propagation delay and risks service discontinuity. As a result, RRC idle or inactive UEs camped on the NTN node cell may improve communication by selecting (or re-selecting) a TN node cell to camp on. However, TN neighbor cell measurements performed by a UE camped on the NTN node cell to timely identify a TN node cell may consume UE power.

[0094] For example, because the coverage of the NTN node cell is larger than that of the TN node cells, if a UE camped on the NTN node cell consistently performs neighbor cell measurements for a TN node cell (e.g., due to a reselection priority of TN node frequencies being greater than a reselection priority of NTN node frequencies), the UE may be unable to detect a signal from any neighboring TN node cells. While a UE camped on an NTN node cell could timely discover the TN node cell, the UE is usually unable to detect a signal from any neighboring TN node cells because, in the most areas within the NTN node cell, there is often no coverage of TN node cells.

[0095] As a result, UEs camped on an NTN node cell may expend power performing neighbor cell searches when the UE is not within coverage of any TN node cells. A UE could perform TN neighbor cell measurements according to an RSRP threshold of the NTN serving cell (e.g., for an intra-frequency case or a lower-priority TN frequency case), but the UE may nonetheless consume power by performing the cell searches in geographic areas where TN coverage is not available.

[0096] As indicated above, Fig. 5 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard to Fig. 5.

[0097] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example 600 associated with managing NTN node cells and TN node cells, in accordance with the present disclosure. In example 600, the UE 120 may be camped on the NTN node cell, and the coverage of the NTN node cell coverage may be greater than that of the TN node cell.

[0098] As shown by reference number 610, the UE 120 may obtain an indication of a location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps an NTN node cell. As discussed in greater detail below with reference to Figs. 7-10, in a first aspect involving network-assisted mobility from the NTN to the TN, the UE 120 may receive the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell from an NTN node associated with the NTN node cell. As discussed in greater detail below with reference to Figs. 11 and 12, in a second aspect involving UE autonomous mobility from NTN to TN, the UE 120 may detect the TN node cell and store the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell in a database.

[0099] As shown by reference number 620, the UE 120 may perform, based at least in part on the location associated with the TN node cell, a location associated with the UE 120, and the UE 120 being camped on the NTN node cell, a cell search for the TN node cell. For example, the UE 120 may determine that a difference between the location associated with the UE 120 and the location associated with the TN node cell is below a threshold (e.g., the UE 120 may determine that the UE 120 is within a threshold distance from the location associated with the TN node cell). The cell search may involve the UE 120 determining whether the TN node cell is available (e.g., by monitoring for a signal from the TN node cell).

[0100] The UE 120 may perform, based at least in part on the cell search, a cell measurement for the TN node cell. For example, the UE 120 may perform the cell measurement in response to detecting a signal from the TN node cell during the cell search. The cell measurement may involve measuring an RSRP and / or RSRQ of the TN node cell. For example, the UE 120 may compare the measured RSRP and / or the measured RSRQ to one or more thresholds.

[0101] The UE 120 may perform, based at least in part on the cell search, one or more mobility operations associated with the TN node cell. For example, the UE 120 may perform one or more re-direction or re-selection operations to move from the NTN node cell to the TN node cell. In some examples, the UE 120 may perform the one or more mobility operations based on the cell measurement.

[0102] Performing the cell search for the TN node cell based at least in part on the location associated with the TN node cell, a location associated with the UE 120, and the UE 120 being camped on the NTN node cell may reduce UE power consumption. For example, rather than performing the cell search consistently, the UE 120 may perform the cell search based on the UE being within coverage of TN node cell. Thus, the UE 120 may reduce power consumed due to neighbor cell searches performed when the UE 120 is not within coverage of any TN node cells.

[0103] Receiving the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell from the NTN node, in accordance with the first aspect involving network-assisted mobility, may help to ensure that the UE 120 receives indications of locations associated with many or all TN node cells that at least partially overlap with the NTN node cell. As a result, the UE 120 may switch from the NTN node cell to a TN node cell faster than the UE 120 could if the UE 120 obtained fewer indications of locations of TN node cells that at least partially overlap with the NTN node cell. Detecting the TN node cell and storing the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell in a database, in accordance with the second aspect involving UE autonomous mobility, may reduce signaling overhead between the UE 120 and the NTN node.

[0104] Performing the cell search may enable the UE 120 to determine whether the TN node cell is a strong candidate for mobility (e.g., re-selection / redirection). Performing the one ormore mobility operations may reduce propagation delay and improve service continuity compared to the propagation delay and service continuity that the UE 120 would experience if the UE 120 did not perform the one or more mobility operations (e.g., if the UE 120 were to remain camped on the NTN node cell).

[0105] As indicated above, Fig. 6 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with respect to Fig. 6.

[0106] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example 700 associated with network-assisted mobility from the NTN to the TN, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0107] In example 700, an NTN node provides coverages to multiple (e.g., three) TN node cells. Initially, UEs may be camped on the NTN node. Each UE is within a coverage area of one TN node cell. For example, the UE-1 is within a coverage area of the TN node-1 but outside a coverage area of the TN node-2 and the TN node-3. As a result, performing a cell search for (e.g., on frequencies associated with) TN node cells provided by the TN node-2 and the TN node-3 would cause the UE-1 to lose power without detecting such TN node cells. Similarly, UE-2 (which is within a coverage area of the TN node-2 but outside a coverage area of the TN node-1 and the TN node-3) would lose power searching for TN node cells provided by the TN node-1 and the TN node-3 without detecting such TN node cells.

[0108] The NTN node may obtain an indication of a location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps with an NTN node cell associated with the NTN node. For example, the TN node-1 may output, and the NTN node may obtain, an indication of a location associated with five TN cells supported by TN node-1. The NTN node may output, and a (e.g., UE-1, UE-2, or the like) may receive, a signal that indicates the location associated with the TN node cell. For example, the UE-1 may receive the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell from an NTN node associated with the NTN node cell.

[0109] The NTN node may send a neighbor list with corresponding location indications (e.g., GPS coordinates). For example, the NTN node may provide a list of TN node cells with indications of locations of the respective TN node cells. For example, the NTN node may output location coordinates associated with the TN node cells with a TN neighbor measurement configuration.

[0110] Coverage information regarding TN neighbor cells may be provided to UEs in NTN cells as assistance information for TN neighbor cell measurement initiation. For example, based on the indication of the location of the TN node cell, the UE (e.g., UE-1, UE-2, or the like) may perform location-based detection. For example, when the UE is in location-x, the UE may perform neighbor detection and / or measurement operations for any TN node cells / frequencies that are located within location-x + {range-x, range-y, range-z}, where range-x, range-y, and range-z are configurable parameters that define coordinate ranges.[oni] In some examples, the UE-1 may perform cell detection operations for frequencies / cells provided by TN node-1 (and not for frequencies / cells provided by TN node-2 or TN-node 3). In some examples, the UE-2 may perform cell detection operations for frequencies / cells provided by TN node-2 (and not for frequencies / cells provided by TN node-1 or TN-node 3). Thus, the UEs may avoid expending power on cell searches for TN node cells that the UE cannot detect, which may conserve UE power.

[0112] As discussed in greater detail below with reference to Figs. 8-10, the NTN node may output, and the UE may receive, a SIB (e.g., a broadcast signal) that contains the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell. In other aspects, the NTN node may output, and the UE may receive, a unicast signal that contains the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell. For example, the NTN node may provide, to the UE camping on the NTN node cell, a dedicated TN neighbor configuration based on the current location of the UE, if the current location is available to the NTN node, which may enable the UE to perform redirection / reselection and move to the TN. For example, if a connection is released on the NTN (e.g., if dedicated resources are released), and the TN neighbor cell information is available to the NTN node, then the NTN node may send redirection information for the TN cell(s) and thereby redirect the UE to the TN, or the NTN node may configure a dedicated priority of the TN network, which may enable the UE to perform idle mode mobility and thereby move to the TN. If inter-RAT (IRAT) mobility is not supported by the UE, then redirection / dedicated information may also be used to switch to the TN RAT on the relevant cells. Thus, the UE may perform, based at least in part on a cell search, one or more network- assisted mobility operations associated with the TN node cell.

[0113] As indicated above, Fig. 7 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with respect to Fig. 7.

[0114] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example 800 associated with network-assisted mobility from the NTN to the TN using a system information block (SIB), in accordance with the present disclosure. Example 800 may involve IRAT neighbor measurement of TN cells (e.g., LTE neighbors) using GPS coordinates while the UE is camped on an NR NTN node.

[0115] In some examples, the NTN node may output, and the UE may receive, a SIB (e.g., SIB5) that indicates (e.g., contains an indication of) the location associated with the TN node cell. SIB5 may contain information relevant only for IRAT cell re-selection (e.g., information about evolved universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS) terrestrial radio access (EUTRA) frequencies and EUTRA neighboring cells relevant for cell re-selection). The SIB5 information elements (IE) may include cell re-selection parameters common for a frequency. The carrierFreqListEUTRA may include a list of carrier frequencies of EUTRA. ThecarrierFreqListEUTRA-vl610 / carrierFreqListEUTRA-vl700, if present, may contain the same number of entries, listed in the same order, as in the carrierFreqListEUTRA (without suffix).

[0116] As shown in Fig. 8, SIB5 may carry indications of TN LTE neighbors, associated location information, and corresponding EUTRA TN frequency. SIB5 may include one or more IES (e.g., “locationCo-ordinatesEUTRA”) that provide location coordinates of serving TN nodes and / or frequencies / cells. For example, the locationCo-ordinatesEUTRA IE may provide the location information as integers corresponding to the x-, y-, and z-axes and / or as longitude and latitude. Thus, SIB 5 may enable the NTN node to configure the list of TN neighbors for one or more UEs.

[0117] The SIB may contain location coordinates on a per-frequency basis. In some examples, the SIB may group frequencies by location and provide location parameters for a group (e.g., rather than for each individual frequency). Table 1 below provides an example of the grouping.Table 1

[0118] In a first aspect, the indication provided by the SIB associates (e.g., groups) a reference location with a plurality of TN node cells and with a plurality of frequencies that correspond, respectively, to the plurality of TN node cells. The reference location may be any suitable location within the NTN node cell. Thus, the first aspect may involve grouping frequencies based on reference location point. For example, if location-X is the reference location, then all frequencies / cells within to a configured range of reference location-X may be grouped together. Associating the reference location with the plurality of TN node cells and the plurality of frequencies may reduce signaling by grouping the TN node cells and frequencies by any suitable location within the NTN node cell.

[0119] In a second aspect, the indication provided by the SIB associates (e.g., groups) a location of a TN node with a plurality of TN node cells associated with the TN node and with a plurality of frequencies that correspond, respectively, to the plurality of TN node cells. For example, the TN node may serve the TN node cells. In the second aspect, the TN node locationmay be considered a reference location and any frequencies served by the TN node may be part of same group. Associating the location of the TN node with the plurality of TN node cells and the plurality of frequencies may reduce signaling by grouping the TN node cells and frequencies by TN node location.

[0120] The NTN node may configure the TN node cells and / or frequencies in groups and output the SIB indicating the grouped TN node cells and / or frequencies. Upon obtaining the SIB, a UE in location-x may perform neighbor detection and / or measurement operations for any grouped TN node cells / frequencies that are located within location-x + {range-x, range-y, range-z}, where range-x, range-y, and range-z are configurable parameters that define coordinate ranges. For example, the UE may configure measurements on all frequencies from a group (e.g., a candidate group).

[0121] In some examples, IES may be introduced to define the groups and associated locations in a SIB. The SIB may configure detection and / or measurement of the grouped TN neighbors at the UE. For example, if the SIB is an NR SIB5 used to configure LTE TN neighbors, then the SIB5 may contain the following IEs.SystemInformationBlock-5 { groupInfoList GroupInfoList OPTIONAL }GroupInfoList ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE (L.maxGroup)) of Grouplnfo Grouplnfo{ locationGroupCo-ordinatesEUTRA LocationGroupCo-ordinatesEUTRA OPTIONAL }LocationGroupCo-ordinatesEUTRA{ locationCo-ordinatesEUTRA locationCo-ordinatesEUTRA freqBitMap integer}

[0122] The locationCo-ordinatesEUTRA IE may provide the location information as integers corresponding to the x-, y-, and z-axes and / or as longitude and latitude. freqBitMap may be a bit map of frequencies included in the SIB5. For example, if the first bit of the bit map is enabled (e.g., if the bit is set to 1), then the first entry in the SIB5 may be part of the group.

[0123] While Fig. 8 relates specifically to IRAT cell reselection from an NR NTN node to an LTE TN node, the techniques described herein may enable an NTN node of any suitable RAT to provide location coordinates for TN nodes any suitable RAT(s). For example, the NTN node may provide location coordinates for NR TN neighbors or TN neighbors of any other RAT. Similar IEs to those described herein may be employed for TN neighbors having the sameand / or different RATs as the NTN node and / or as each other. For example, IES similar to the locationCo-ordinatesEUTRA IE may carry location information associated with TN neighbors having the same and / or different RATs as the NTN node and / or as each other. Furthermore, while Fig. 8 relates specifically to SIB5, the techniques described herein may enable any suitable SIB (whether currently existing or yet to be introduced) to carry location information. For example, a SIB that contains the locationCo-ordinatesEUTRA IE may be introduced. If a SIB is introduced to enable the NTN node to indicate the TN neighbors, one or more SIBs (e.g., including or excluding the introduced SIB) may be introduced to carry the GroupInfoList and related IEs.

[0124] As indicated above, Fig. 8 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with respect to Fig. 8.

[0125] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example 900 associated with network-assisted mobility from the NTN to the TN using a SIB that is configured based at least in part on a registered UE location, in accordance with the present disclosure. In example 900, a UE 905 and an NTN node (“NTN NW”) 910 communicate with each other.

[0126] As shown by reference number 915, initially, the UE 905 is camped on an NTN cell. For example, the NTN cell may be provided by the NTN node 910.

[0127] As shown by reference number 920, the UE 905 registers with the NTN node 910. For example, the UE 905 may perform registration with the NTN after successful cell selection.

[0128] As shown by reference number 925, the NTN node 910 may record the last location of the UE 905. For example, the NTN node 910 may record the location of the UE 905 at the cell level or tracking area (TA) level. The last location of the UE 905 may be the location of the UE 905 at the time of registration.

[0129] As shown by reference number 930, the NTN node 910 may configure a SIB with an indication of a location associated with a TN node cell, that at least partially overlaps the NTN node cell on which the UE 905 is camped, based at least in part on a registered location (e.g., the last location) of the UE 905. For example, NTN node 910 may configure a list of TN neighbors based on the last registered location of the UE 905. The SIB may contain cluster information, such as a geographic location (e.g., a reference location of the cluster), a tracking area identity (TAI) list, or the like. Configuring the SIB with the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell based at least in part on the registered location of the UE 905 may further reduce signaling overhead.

[0130] As shown by reference number 935, the NTN node 910 may output, and the UE 905 may receive the SIB (“SystemlnformationBlock-XY”) configured with the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell based at least in part on the registered location of the UE 905. The UE 905 may perform cell detection and / or measurement based on theconfiguration provided by the NTN. Thus, the UE 905 may perform TN measurements based on the registered location of the UE 905.

[0131] As shown by reference 940, the UE 905 may be in mobility. For example, the UE 905 may move outside a range from the location where the UE 905 performed the registration. The UE 905, which may acquire an indication of the location of the UE 905 from the NTN node 910 when performing the registration, may re-registered with the NTN.

[0132] As shown by reference 945, based on the updated cell or type allocation code (TAC), the NTN node 910 may detect the location change and configure an updated set of measurements based on the updated registered location of the UE 905. For example, the NTN node 910 may configure and output an updated SIB with an updated list of TN neighbors.

[0133] As indicated above, Fig. 9 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with respect to Fig. 9.

[0134] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example 1000 associated with network-assisted mobility from the NTN to the TN using a plurality of SIBs that contain respective indications of locations associated TN node cells that at least partially overlap an NTN node cell, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0135] As shown, an NTN node may output the plurality of SIBs (“SIB-XY”) in a round robin scheduling manner that is mapped to the same system information (SI). For example, the SIB-XY for location-1 may contain information relating to TN cells and frequencies associated with TN node 1, the SIB-XY for location-3 may contain information relating to TN cells and frequencies associated with TN node 2, and the SIB-XY for location-4 may contain information relating to TN cells and frequencies associated with TN node 3. In some examples, the NTN node may output different copies of SIB-XY. In some examples, the NTN node may configure different versions of SIB-XY TN neighbor indications based on location groups (e.g., using location-based grouping techniques as described above in relation to Fig. 6).

[0136] The NTN node may output, and the UE may receive, one of the SIB-XYs based at least in part on scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIB-XYs. For example, the scheduling information may indicate the round robin schedule for the plurality of SIB-XYs. The scheduling information may enable the UE to detect the appropriate SIB-XY.

[0137] In some aspects, the scheduling information may be predetermined. For example, the scheduling information may be a static formula specified by a standard. For example, the UE and the NTN node may use the static formula to determine the scheduling information (e.g., predetermine, location-based scheduling information). The scheduling information being predetermined may reduce signaling overhead (e.g., the static formula may be used instead of signaling to indicate the scheduling information.

[0138] In some aspects, the NTN node may output, and the UE may receive, receiving a SIB that contains the scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs. For example, the one or more IES may be added in a SIB-X, which may be output before the SIB-XY, which may provide location-based scheduling information. For example, the following IE may be introduced in SIB-X (e.g., SIB1, SIB 19, or the like).SystemlnformationBlock-X { schedulinglnfo relX SchedulinglnfoRelX — OPTIONAL}SchedulinglnfoRelX ::== location coordinates along with Scheduling Info

[0139] The SIB that contains the scheduling information may reduce power consumed by the UE. For example, since there are multiple different copies of same SIB, the NTN node may send TN neighbor SIB scheduling information along with the corresponding geographic location for each TN neighbor (and / or group), and the UE may decode the only the corresponding version of the TN neighbor SIBs. For example, based on the scheduling information contained in the SIB-X, the UE-1 may decode only the SIB-XY for location 1, and may not attempt to decode the SIB-XYs for locations 2-4, because only the SIB-XY for location 1 contains TN node cell and frequency information that is relevant to the UE-1.

[0140] As indicated above, Fig. 10 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with respect to Fig. 10.

[0141] Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example 1100 associated with UE autonomous mobility from the NTN to the TN, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0142] In some aspects, a UE (“UE-1”) may detect one or more TN node cells that at least partially overlap an NTN node cell and store an indication of a location associated with the TN node cell in a database (“TN-Neigh for location-x”). The UE may detect the TN node cells by visiting the TN node cells and detecting corresponding TN frequencies via cell selection, cell reselection, radio link failure (RLF) recovery, out-of-service (OOS) recovery, public land mobile network (PLMN) search, IRAT measurement, or the like. The UE may locally (e.g., at the UE) create and maintain location-based and mapping databases. Upon visiting and / or detecting a TN node cell, the UE may add the location of the UE in a location-based database, such as a dedicated location-based database, a UE-specific stored database, an acquisition database (sometimes abbreviated “ ACQ DB”), or the like. Examples of location-based databases and mapping databases are provided as follows.Table 2: Location-based databaseTable 3: Mapping database

[0143] The UE may associate the location (e.g., a reference location) with a plurality of TN node cells and with a plurality of frequencies that correspond, respectively, to the plurality of TN node cells. For example, the UE may create grouping database and add frequencies in groups based on a reference location. The UE may define any suitable reference location for each group. An example grouping database is provided as follows.Table 4: Grouping database

[0144] Associating the reference location with the plurality of TN node cells and the plurality of frequencies may reduce UE resources occupied for UE autonomous mobility by grouping the TN node cells and frequencies by any suitable location within the NTN node cell.

[0145] For example, the UE may search the database(s) for TN node cells within a range of the UE. For example, the UE may search the database(s) for all the TN neighbors that are within a range of the current location of the UE and configure measurements on those neighbors. The UE may search the database(s) while the UE is camped on the NTN node cell. The UE may perform a cell search for the TN node cell(s) based at least in part on the TN nodecell being within the range of the UE. The UE may select the TN frequencies / cells from the database(s), which may be internal or local to the UE. For example, if the UE is in location-x, the UE may perform neighbor measurements on all TN frequencies / cells that belongs within location-x + {range-x, range-y, range-z}. The UE may perform measurements on frequencies identified by the acquisition database to identify a suitable cell (e.g., TN node cell) on which to camp based on UE location. The UE may configure the measurements with a highest measurement priority (e.g., higher than a priority corresponding to the NTN node cell), which may enable the UE to perform reselection and move from the NTN to the TN when the UE detects a suitable TN node cell. Searching the database(s) for the TN node cells and performing the cell search based at least in part on the TN node cell being within the range of the UE may enable the UE to switch to a suitable TN node cell using the database(s).

[0146] The UE may perform, based at least in part on a cell search, one or more UE autonomous mobility operations associated with the TN node cell. For example, the UE may quickly return to the TN (e.g., the UE may perform a fast reselection to the TN from the NTN). For example, if the NTN node does not make available a dedicated configuration, a UE camping on an NTN cell may, based on the current location of the UE, search for TN neighbors, indications of which may be stored in the database(s), that belong within x + {range-x, range-y, range-z} and perform a fast return to the TN if a TN node cell is available.

[0147] For example, initially, the UE may be camped and connected on the NTN node cell. After connection release on the NTN, the UE may attempt to detect a dedicated configuration of TN cells. If the UE does not detect the dedicated configuration, then the UE may search for TN neighbors, indication of which may be stored in the database(s) (e.g., the internal databases), belonging within location range {range-x, range-y, range-z}. If the UE detects a TN neighbor in the given location range, then the UE may perform a TN cell measurement. For example, if the RSRP of the TN node cell is greater than an RSRP threshold, then the UE may perform redirection and / or reselection to the TN node cell.

[0148] As indicated above, Fig. 11 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with respect to Fig. 11.

[0149] Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example 1200 associated with UE autonomous mobility from the NTN to the TN based on increasing periodic search intervals for TN neighbors, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0150] In some aspects, the UE may perform a cell search by monitoring, during a plurality of first monitoring occasions separated by first time intervals, for a signal from a TN node cell. The UE may further monitor, based at least in part on the UE not detecting the signal, during a plurality of second monitoring occasions separated by second time intervals, for the signal from the TN node cell. The second time intervals may be longer than the first time intervals.

[0151] For example, if a measurement of a TN cell performed in discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle DRX N, then the UE may perform the next measurement in cycle DRX 7V+X. For example, as shown, in the first round of idle mode TN measurements, the UE attempts to detect a signal in one out of every two monitoring occasions. If UE does not detect the signal in the first round, then, in a second round, the UE may attempt to detect the signal in one out of every three monitoring occasions. If UE does not detect the signal in the second round and, then, in a third round, the UE may attempt to detect the signal. In some examples, the UE may linearly increase periodic search intervals for TN neighbors (e.g., the UE may attempt to detect the signal in one out of every four monitoring occasions in the third round). In some examples, the UE may exponentially increase the periodic search intervals for the TN neighbors (e.g., the UE may attempt to detect the signal in one out of every five monitoring occasions in the third round).

[0152] The second time intervals being than the first time intervals may enable the UE to conserve power. For example, not detecting the signal (e.g., in the first round) may decrease the possibility of detecting the signal in a later round. Thus, the UE may increase the measurement periodicity (e.g., linearly or exponentially), which may enable the UE to continue to search for the signal while conserving power.

[0153] As indicated above, Fig. 12 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with respect to Fig. 12.

[0154] Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example process 1300 performed, for example, by a UE, in accordance with the present disclosure. Example process 1300 is an example where the UE (e.g., UE 120) performs operations associated with management of NTN node cells and TN node cells.

[0155] As shown in Fig. 13, in some aspects, process 1300 may include obtaining an indication of a location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps an NTN node cell (block 1310). For example, the UE (e.g., using reception component 1502 and / or communication manager 1506, depicted in Fig. 15) may obtain an indication of a location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps an NTN node cell, as described above.

[0156] As further shown in Fig. 13, in some aspects, process 1300 may include performing, based at least in part on the location associated with the TN node cell, a location associated with the UE, and the UE being camped on the NTN node cell, a cell search for the TN node cell (block 1320). For example, the UE (e.g., using communication manager 1506, depicted in Fig. 15) may perform, based at least in part on the location associated with the TN node cell, a location associated with the UE, and the UE being camped on the NTN node cell, a cell search for the TN node cell, as described above.

[0157] Process 1300 may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and / or in connection with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.

[0158] In a first aspect, process 1300 includes performing, based at least in part on the cell search, a cell measurement for the TN node cell.

[0159] In a second aspect, alone or in combination with the first aspect, process 1300 includes performing, based at least in part on the cell search, one or more mobility operations associated with the TN node cell.

[0160] In a third aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first and second aspects, obtaining the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell includes receiving the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell from an NTN node associated with the NTN node cell.

[0161] In a fourth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through third aspects, receiving the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell includes receiving a SIB that contains the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell.

[0162] In a fifth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through fourth aspects, the location is a reference location, and the indication associates the reference location with a plurality of TN node cells, including the TN node cell, and with a plurality of frequencies that correspond, respectively, to the plurality of TN node cells.

[0163] In a sixth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through fifth aspects, the location is a location of a TN node associated with a plurality of TN node cells, including the TN node cell, and the indication associates the location of the TN node with the plurality of TN node cells and with a plurality of frequencies that correspond, respectively, to the plurality of TN node cells.

[0164] In a seventh aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through sixth aspects, the SIB is configured with the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell based at least in part on a registered location of the UE.

[0165] In an eighth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through seventh aspects, the SIB is one of a plurality of SIBs that contain respective indications of locations associated with TN node cells, including the TN node cell, that at least partially overlap the NTN node cell, and receiving the SIB includes receiving the SIB based at least in part on scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs.

[0166] In a ninth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through eighth aspects, the scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs is predetermined.

[0167] In a tenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through ninth aspects, the plurality of SIBs is a plurality of first SIBs, and the process 1300 includes receiving a second SIB that contains the scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs.

[0168] In an eleventh aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through tenth aspects, receiving the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell includes receiving, based at least in part on a location of the UE, a unicast signal that contains the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell.

[0169] In a twelfth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through eleventh aspects, obtaining the indication of the location includes detecting the TN node cell, and storing the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell in a database.

[0170] In a thirteenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through twelfth aspects, process 1300 includes searching the database for TN node cells, including the TN node cell, within a range of the UE, and performing the cell search includes performing the cell search based at least in part on the TN node cell being within the range of the UE.

[0171] In a fourteenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through thirteenth aspects, the location is a reference location, and process 1300 includes associating the reference location with a plurality of TN node cells, including the TN node cell, and with a plurality of frequencies that correspond, respectively, to the plurality of TN node cells.

[0172] In a fifteenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through fourteenth aspects, performing the cell search includes monitoring, during a plurality of first monitoring occasions separated by first time intervals, for a signal from the TN node cell, and monitoring, based at least in part on the UE not detecting the signal, during a plurality of second monitoring occasions separated by second time intervals, for the signal from the TN node cell, where the second time intervals are longer than the first time intervals.

[0173] Although Fig. 13 shows example blocks of process 1300, in some aspects, process 1300 may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those depicted in Fig. 13. Additionally, or alternatively, two or more of the blocks of process 1300 may be performed in parallel.

[0174] Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example process 1400 performed, for example, by an NTN node, in accordance with the present disclosure. Example process 1400 is an example where the NTN node (e.g., network node 110) performs operations associated with management of NTN node cells and TN node cells.

[0175] As shown in Fig. 14, in some aspects, process 1400 may include obtaining an indication of a location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps with an NTN node cell associated with the NTN node (block 1410). For example, the NTN node (e.g., using reception component 1602 and / or communication manager 1606, depicted in Fig. 16) mayobtain an indication of a location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps with an NTN node cell associated with the NTN node, as described above.

[0176] As further shown in Fig. 14, in some aspects, process 1400 may include outputting a signal that indicates the location associated with the TN node cell (block 1420). For example, the NTN node (e.g., using transmission component 1604 and / or communication manager 1606, depicted in Fig. 16) may output a signal that indicates the location associated with the TN node cell, as described above.

[0177] Process 1400 may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and / or in connection with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.

[0178] In a first aspect, the signal is a SIB that indicates the location associated with the TN node cell.

[0179] In a second aspect, alone or in combination with the first aspect, the location is a reference location, and the SIB associates the reference location with a plurality of TN node cells, including the TN node cell, and with a plurality of frequencies that correspond, respectively, to the plurality of TN node cells.

[0180] In a third aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first and second aspects, the location is a location of a TN node associated with a plurality of TN node cells, including the TN node cell, and the SIB associates the location of the TN node with the plurality of TN node cells and with a plurality of frequencies that correspond, respectively, to the plurality of TN node cells.

[0181] In a fourth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through third aspects, process 1400 includes configuring the SIB with the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell based at least in part on a registered location of a UE.

[0182] In a fifth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through fourth aspects, the SIB is one of a plurality of SIBs that contain respective indications of locations associated with TN node cells, including the TN node cell, that at least partially overlap the NTN node cell, and outputting the SIB includes outputting the SIB based at least in part on scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs.

[0183] In a sixth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through fifth aspects, the scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs is predetermined.

[0184] In a seventh aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through sixth aspects, the plurality of SIBs is a plurality of first SIBs, and process 1400 includes outputting a second SIB that contains the scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs.

[0185] In an eighth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through seventh aspects, outputting the signal that indicates the location associated with the TN node cell includes outputting, based at least in part on a location of a UE, a unicast signal that indicates the location associated with the TN node cell.

[0186] Although Fig. 14 shows example blocks of process 1400, in some aspects, process 1400 may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those depicted in Fig. 14. Additionally, or alternatively, two or more of the blocks of process 1400 may be performed in parallel.

[0187] Fig. 15 is a diagram of an example apparatus 1500 for wireless communication, in accordance with the present disclosure. The apparatus 1500 may be a UE, or a UE may include the apparatus 1500. In some aspects, the apparatus 1500 includes a reception component 1502, a transmission component 1504, and / or a communication manager 1506, which may be in communication with one another (for example, via one or more buses and / or one or more other components). In some aspects, the communication manager 1506 is the communication manager 140 described in connection with Fig. 1. As shown, the apparatus 1500 may communicate with another apparatus 1508, such as a UE or a network node (such as a CU, a DU, an RU, or a base station), using the reception component 1502 and the transmission component 1504.

[0188] In some aspects, the apparatus 1500 may be configured to perform one or more operations described herein in connection with Figs. 6-12. Additionally, or alternatively, the apparatus 1500 may be configured to perform one or more processes described herein, such as process 1300 of Fig. 13. In some aspects, the apparatus 1500 and / or one or more components shown in Fig. 15 may include one or more components of the UE described in connection with Fig. 2. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more components shown in Fig. 15 may be implemented within one or more components described in connection with Fig. 2. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more components of the set of components may be implemented at least in part as software stored in a memory. For example, a component (or a portion of a component) may be implemented as instructions or code stored in a non-transitory computer- readable medium and executable by a controller or a processor to perform the functions or operations of the component.

[0189] The reception component 1502 may receive communications, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or a combination thereof, from the apparatus 1508. The reception component 1502 may provide received communications to one or more other components of the apparatus 1500. In some aspects, the reception component 1502 may perform signal processing on the received communications (such as filtering, amplification, demodulation, analog-to-digital conversion, demultiplexing, deinterleaving, de-mapping,equalization, interference cancellation, or decoding, among other examples), and may provide the processed signals to the one or more other components of the apparatus 1500. In some aspects, the reception component 1502 may include one or more antennas, a modem, a demodulator, a MIMO detector, a receive processor, a controller / processor, a memory, or a combination thereof, of the UE described in connection with Fig. 2.

[0190] The transmission component 1504 may transmit communications, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or a combination thereof, to the apparatus 1508. In some aspects, one or more other components of the apparatus 1500 may generate communications and may provide the generated communications to the transmission component 1504 for transmission to the apparatus 1508. In some aspects, the transmission component 1504 may perform signal processing on the generated communications (such as filtering, amplification, modulation, digital-to-analog conversion, multiplexing, interleaving, mapping, or encoding, among other examples), and may transmit the processed signals to the apparatus 1508. In some aspects, the transmission component 1504 may include one or more antennas, a modem, a modulator, a transmit MIMO processor, a transmit processor, a controller / processor, a memory, or a combination thereof, of the UE described in connection with Fig. 2. In some aspects, the transmission component 1504 may be co-located with the reception component 1502 in a transceiver.

[0191] The communication manager 1506 may support operations of the reception component 1502 and / or the transmission component 1504. For example, the communication manager 1506 may receive information associated with configuring reception of communications by the reception component 1502 and / or transmission of communications by the transmission component 1504. Additionally, or alternatively, the communication manager 1506 may generate and / or provide control information to the reception component 1502 and / or the transmission component 1504 to control reception and / or transmission of communications.

[0192] The reception component 1502 may obtain an indication of a location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps an NTN node cell. The communication manager 1506 may perform, based at least in part on the location associated with the TN node cell, a location associated with the UE, and the UE being camped on the NTN node cell, a cell search for the TN node cell.

[0193] The communication manager 1506 may perform, based at least in part on the cell search, a cell measurement for the TN node cell.

[0194] The communication manager 1506 may perform, based at least in part on the cell search, one or more mobility operations associated with the TN node cell.

[0195] The number and arrangement of components shown in Fig. 15 are provided as an example. In practice, there may be additional components, fewer components, differentcomponents, or differently arranged components than those shown in Fig. 15. Furthermore, two or more components shown in Fig. 15 may be implemented within a single component, or a single component shown in Fig. 15 may be implemented as multiple, distributed components. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of (one or more) components shown in Fig. 15 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components shown in Fig. 15.

[0196] Fig. 16 is a diagram of an example apparatus 1600 for wireless communication, in accordance with the present disclosure. The apparatus 1600 may be an NTN node, or an NTN node may include the apparatus 1600. In some aspects, the apparatus 1600 includes a reception component 1602, a transmission component 1604, and / or a communication manager 1606, which may be in communication with one another (for example, via one or more buses and / or one or more other components). In some aspects, the communication manager 1606 is the communication manager 150 described in connection with Fig. 1. As shown, the apparatus 1600 may communicate with another apparatus 1608, such as a UE or a network node (such as a CU, a DU, an RU, or a base station), using the reception component 1602 and the transmission component 1604.

[0197] In some aspects, the apparatus 1600 may be configured to perform one or more operations described herein in connection with Figs. 6-12. Additionally, or alternatively, the apparatus 1600 may be configured to perform one or more processes described herein, such as process 1400 of Fig. 14. In some aspects, the apparatus 1600 and / or one or more components shown in Fig. 16 may include one or more components of the NTN node described in connection with Fig. 2. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more components shown in Fig. 16 may be implemented within one or more components described in connection with Fig. 2. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more components of the set of components may be implemented at least in part as software stored in a memory. For example, a component (or a portion of a component) may be implemented as instructions or code stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium and executable by a controller or a processor to perform the functions or operations of the component.

[0198] The reception component 1602 may receive communications, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or a combination thereof, from the apparatus 1608. The reception component 1602 may provide received communications to one or more other components of the apparatus 1600. In some aspects, the reception component 1602 may perform signal processing on the received communications (such as filtering, amplification, demodulation, analog-to-digital conversion, demultiplexing, deinterleaving, de-mapping, equalization, interference cancellation, or decoding, among other examples), and may provide the processed signals to the one or more other components of the apparatus 1600. In some aspects, the reception component 1602 may include one or more antennas, a modem, ademodulator, a MIMO detector, a receive processor, a controller / processor, a memory, or a combination thereof, of the non-terrestrial network (NTN) node described in connection with Fig. 2.

[0199] The transmission component 1604 may transmit communications, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or a combination thereof, to the apparatus 1608. In some aspects, one or more other components of the apparatus 1600 may generate communications and may provide the generated communications to the transmission component 1604 for transmission to the apparatus 1608. In some aspects, the transmission component 1604 may perform signal processing on the generated communications (such as filtering, amplification, modulation, digital-to-analog conversion, multiplexing, interleaving, mapping, or encoding, among other examples), and may transmit the processed signals to the apparatus 1608. In some aspects, the transmission component 1604 may include one or more antennas, a modem, a modulator, a transmit MIMO processor, a transmit processor, a controller / processor, a memory, or a combination thereof, of the non-terrestrial network (NTN) node described in connection with Fig. 2. In some aspects, the transmission component 1604 may be co-located with the reception component 1602 in a transceiver.

[0200] The communication manager 1606 may support operations of the reception component 1602 and / or the transmission component 1604. For example, the communication manager 1606 may receive information associated with configuring reception of communications by the reception component 1602 and / or transmission of communications by the transmission component 1604. Additionally, or alternatively, the communication manager 1606 may generate and / or provide control information to the reception component 1602 and / or the transmission component 1604 to control reception and / or transmission of communications.

[0201] The reception component 1602 may obtain an indication of a location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps with an NTN node cell associated with the NTN node. The transmission component 1604 may output a signal that indicates the location associated with the TN node cell.

[0202] The number and arrangement of components shown in Fig. 16 are provided as an example. In practice, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown in Fig. 16. Furthermore, two or more components shown in Fig. 16 may be implemented within a single component, or a single component shown in Fig. 16 may be implemented as multiple, distributed components. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of (one or more) components shown in Fig. 16 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components shown in Fig. 16.

[0203] The following provides an overview of some Aspects of the present disclosure:

[0204] Aspect 1 : A method of wireless communication performed by a UE, comprising: obtaining an indication of a location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps an NTN node cell; and performing, based at least in part on the location associated with the TN node cell, a location associated with the UE, and the UE being camped on the NTN node cell, a cell search for the TN node cell.

[0205] Aspect 2: The method of Aspect 1, further comprising: performing, based at least in part on the cell search, a cell measurement for the TN node cell.

[0206] Aspect 3: The method of any of Aspects 1-2, further comprising: performing, based at least in part on the cell search, one or more mobility operations associated with the TN node cell.

[0207] Aspect 4: The method of any of Aspects 1-3, wherein obtaining the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell includes: receiving the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell from an NTN node associated with the NTN node cell.

[0208] Aspect 5: The method of Aspect 4, wherein receiving the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell includes: receiving a SIB that contains the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell.

[0209] Aspect 6: The method of Aspect 5, wherein the location is a reference location, and wherein the indication associates the reference location with a plurality of TN node cells, including the TN node cell, and with a plurality of frequencies that correspond, respectively, to the plurality of TN node cells.

[0210] Aspect 7: The method of Aspect 5, wherein the location is a location of a TN node associated with a plurality of TN node cells, including the TN node cell, and wherein the indication associates the location of the TN node with the plurality of TN node cells and with a plurality of frequencies that correspond, respectively, to the plurality of TN node cells.

[0211] Aspect 8: The method of Aspect 5, wherein the SIB is configured with the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell based at least in part on a registered location of the UE.

[0212] Aspect 9: The method of Aspect 5, wherein the SIB is one of a plurality of SIBs that contain respective indications of locations associated with TN node cells, including the TN node cell, that at least partially overlap the NTN node cell, and wherein receiving the SIB includes: receiving the SIB based at least in part on scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs.

[0213] Aspect 10: The method of Aspect 9, wherein the scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs is predetermined.

[0214] Aspect 11 : The method of Aspect 9, wherein the plurality of SIBs is a plurality of first SIBs, the method further comprising: receiving a second SIB that contains the scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs.

[0215] Aspect 12: The method of Aspect 4, wherein receiving the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell includes: receiving, based at least in part on a location of the UE, a unicast signal that contains the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell.

[0216] Aspect 13: The method of any of Aspects 1-12, wherein obtaining the indication of the location includes: detecting the TN node cell; and storing the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell in a database.

[0217] Aspect 14: The method of Aspect 13, further comprising: searching the database for TN node cells, including the TN node cell, within a range of the UE, wherein performing the cell search includes performing the cell search based at least in part on the TN node cell being within the range of the UE.

[0218] Aspect 15: The method of Aspect 13, wherein the location is a reference location, the method further comprising: associating the reference location with a plurality of TN node cells, including the TN node cell, and with a plurality of frequencies that correspond, respectively, to the plurality of TN node cells.

[0219] Aspect 16: The method of Aspect 13, wherein performing the cell search includes: monitoring, during a plurality of first monitoring occasions separated by first time intervals, for a signal from the TN node cell; and monitoring, based at least in part on the UE not detecting the signal, during a plurality of second monitoring occasions separated by second time intervals, for the signal from the TN node cell, wherein the second time intervals are longer than the first time intervals.

[0220] Aspect 17: A method of wireless communication performed by a NTN node, comprising: obtaining an indication of a location associated with a TN node cell that at least partially overlaps with an NTN node cell associated with the NTN node; and outputting a signal that indicates the location associated with the TN node cell.

[0221] Aspect 18: The method of Aspect 17, wherein the signal is a SIB that indicates the location associated with the TN node cell.

[0222] Aspect 19: The method of Aspect 18, wherein the location is a reference location, and wherein the SIB associates the reference location with a plurality of TN node cells, including the TN node cell, and with a plurality of frequencies that correspond, respectively, to the plurality of TN node cells.

[0223] Aspect 20: The method of Aspect 18, wherein the location is a location of a TN node associated with a plurality of TN node cells, including the TN node cell, and wherein the SIBassociates the location of the TN node with the plurality of TN node cells and with a plurality of frequencies that correspond, respectively, to the plurality of TN node cells.

[0224] Aspect 21: The method of Aspect 18, further comprising: configuring the SIB with the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell based at least in part on a registered location of a UE.

[0225] Aspect 22: The method of Aspect 18, wherein the SIB is one of a plurality of SIBs that contain respective indications of locations associated with TN node cells, including the TN node cell, that at least partially overlap the NTN node cell, and wherein outputting the SIB includes: outputting the SIB based at least in part on scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs.

[0226] Aspect 23 : The method of Aspect 22, wherein the scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs is predetermined.

[0227] Aspect 24: The method of Aspect 22, wherein the plurality of SIBs is a plurality of first SIBs, the method further comprising: outputting a second SIB that contains the scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs.

[0228] Aspect 25: The method of any of Aspects 17-24, wherein outputting the signal that indicates the location associated with the TN node cell includes: outputting, based at least in part on a location of a UE, a unicast signal that indicates the location associated with the TN node cell.

[0229] Aspect 26: An apparatus for wireless communication at a device, comprising a processor; memory coupled with the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform the method of one or more of Aspects 1-25.

[0230] Aspect 27: A device for wireless communication, comprising a memory and one or more processors coupled to the memory, the one or more processors configured to perform the method of one or more of Aspects 1-25.

[0231] Aspect 28: An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising at least one means for performing the method of one or more of Aspects 1-25.

[0232] Aspect 29: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication, the code comprising instmctions executable by a processor to perform the method of one or more of Aspects 1-25.

[0233] Aspect 30: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a set of instructions for wireless communication, the set of instructions comprising one or more instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a device, cause the device to perform the method of one or more of Aspects 1-25.

[0234] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the aspects to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations may be made in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the aspects.

[0235] As used herein, the term “component” is intended to be broadly construed as hardware and / or a combination of hardware and software. “Software” shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, procedures, and / or functions, among other examples, whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise. As used herein, a “processor” is implemented in hardware and / or a combination of hardware and software. It will be apparent that systems and / or methods described herein may be implemented in different forms of hardware and / or a combination of hardware and software. The actual specialized control hardware or software code used to implement these systems and / or methods is not limiting of the aspects. Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems and / or methods are described herein without reference to specific software code, since those skilled in the art will understand that software and hardware can be designed to implement the systems and / or methods based, at least in part, on the description herein.

[0236] The hardware and data processing apparatus used to implement the various illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules and circuits described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose single- or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor also may be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some aspects, particular processes and methods may be performed by circuitry that is specific to a given function.

[0237] As used herein, “satisfying a threshold” may, depending on the context, refer to a value being greater than the threshold, greater than or equal to the threshold, less than the threshold, less than or equal to the threshold, equal to the threshold, not equal to the threshold, or the like.

[0238] Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure ofvarious aspects. Many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification. The disclosure of various aspects includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set. As used herein, a phrase referring to “at least one of’ a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover a, b, c, a + b, a + c, b + c, and a + b + c, as well as any combination with multiples of the same element (e.g., a + a, a + a + a, a + a + b, a + a + c, a + b + b, a + c + c, b + b, b + b + b, b + b + c, c + c, and c + c + c, or any other ordering of a, b, and c).

[0239] No element, act, or instruction used herein should be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Further, as used herein, the article “the” is intended to include one or more items referenced in connection with the article “the” and may be used interchangeably with “the one or more.” Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “set” and “group” are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Where only one item is intended, the phrase “only one” or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms “has,” “have,” “having,” or the like are intended to be open-ended terms that do not limit an element that they modify (e.g., an element “having” A may also have B). Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. Also, as used herein, the term “or” is intended to be inclusive when used in a series and may be used interchangeably with “and / or,” unless explicitly stated otherwise (e.g., if used in combination with “either” or “only one of’).

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A user equipment (UE) for wireless communication, comprising: one or more memories; and one or more processors, coupled to the one or more memories, individually or collectively configured to cause the UE to: obtain an indication of a location associated with a terrestrial network (TN) node cell that at least partially overlaps a non-TN (NTN) node cell; and perform, based at least in part on the location associated with the TN node cell, a location associated with the UE, and the UE being camped on the NTN node cell, a cell search for the TN node cell.

2. The UE of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are further individually or collectively configured to cause the UE to: perform, based at least in part on the cell search, a cell measurement for the TN node cell.

3. The UE of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are further individually or collectively configured to cause the UE to: perform, based at least in part on the cell search, one or more mobility operations associated with the TN node cell.

4. The UE of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors, to cause the UE to obtain the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell, are configured to cause the UE to: receive the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell from an NTN node associated with the NTN node cell.

5. The UE of claim 4, wherein the one or more processors, to cause the UE to receive the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell, are configured to cause the UE to: receive a system information block (SIB) that contains the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell.

6. The UE of claim 5, wherein the location is a reference location, and wherein the indication associates the reference location with a plurality of TN node cells, including the TN node cell, and with a plurality of frequencies that correspond, respectively, to the plurality of TN node cells.

7. The UE of claim 5, wherein the location is a location of a TN node associated with a plurality of TN node cells, including the TN node cell, and wherein the indication associates the location of the TN node with the plurality of TN node cells and with a plurality of frequencies that correspond, respectively, to the plurality of TN node cells.

8. The UE of claim 5, wherein the SIB is configured with the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell based at least in part on a registered location of the UE.

9. The UE of claim 5, wherein the SIB is one of a plurality of SIBs that contain respective indications of locations associated with TN node cells, including the TN node cell, that at least partially overlap the NTN node cell, and wherein the one or more processors, to cause the UE to receive the SIB, are configured to cause the UE to: receive the SIB based at least in part on scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs.

10. The UE of claim 9, wherein the scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs is predetermined.

11. The UE of claim 9, wherein the plurality of SIBs is a plurality of first SIBs, and wherein the one or more processors are further individually or collectively configured to cause the UE to: receive a second SIB that contains the scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs.

12. The UE of claim 4, wherein the one or more processors, to cause the UE to receive the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell, are configured to cause the UE to: receive, based at least in part on a location of the UE, a unicast signal that contains the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell.

13. The UE of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors, to cause the UE to obtain the indication of the location, are configured to cause the UE to: detect the TN node cell; and store the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell in a database.

14. The UE of claim 13, wherein the one or more processors are further individually or collectively configured to cause the UE to:search the database for TN node cells, including the TN node cell, within a range of theUE, wherein the one or more processors, to cause the UE to perform the cell search, are configured to cause the UE to perform the cell search based at least in part on the TN node cell being within the range of the UE.

15. The UE of claim 13, wherein the location is a reference location, and wherein the one or more processors are further individually or collectively configured to cause the UE to: associate the reference location with a plurality of TN node cells, including the TN node cell, and with a plurality of frequencies that correspond, respectively, to the plurality of TN node cells.

16. The UE of claim 13, wherein the one or more processors, to perform the cell search, are configured to cause the UE to: monitor, during a plurality of first monitoring occasions separated by first time intervals, for a signal from the TN node cell; and monitor, based at least in part on the UE not detecting the signal, during a plurality of second monitoring occasions separated by second time intervals, for the signal from the TN node cell, wherein the second time intervals are longer than the first time intervals.

17. A non-terrestrial network (NTN) node for wireless communication, comprising: one or more memories; and one or more processors, coupled to the one or more memories, individually or collectively configured to cause the non-terrestrial network (NTN) node to: obtain an indication of a location associated with a terrestrial network (TN) node cell that at least partially overlaps with a non-TN (NTN) node cell associated with the NTN node; and output a signal that indicates the location associated with the TN node cell.

18. The NTN node of claim 17, wherein the signal is a system information block (SIB) that indicates the location associated with the TN node cell.

19. The NTN node of claim 18, wherein the location is a reference location, and wherein the SIB associates the reference location with a plurality of TN node cells, including the TN node cell, and with a plurality of frequencies that correspond, respectively, to the plurality of TN node cells.

20. The NTN node of claim 18, wherein the location is a location of a TN node associated with a plurality of TN node cells, including the TN node cell, and wherein the SIB associates the location of the TN node with the plurality of TN node cells and with a plurality of frequencies that correspond, respectively, to the plurality of TN node cells.

21. The NTN node of claim 18, wherein the one or more processors are further individually or collectively configured to cause the NTN node to: configure the SIB with the indication of the location associated with the TN node cell based at least in part on a registered location of a user equipment (UE).

22. The NTN node of claim 18, wherein the SIB is one of a plurality of SIBs that contain respective indications of locations associated with TN node cells, including the TN node cell, that at least partially overlap the NTN node cell, and wherein the one or more processors, to cause the NTN node to output the SIB, are configured to cause the NTN node to: output the SIB based at least in part on scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs.

23. The NTN node of claim 22, wherein the scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs is predetermined.

24. The NTN node of claim 22, wherein the plurality of SIBs is a plurality of first SIBs, and wherein the one or more processors are further individually or collectively configured to cause the NTN node to: output a second SIB that contains the scheduling information associated with the plurality of SIBs.

25. The NTN node of claim 17, wherein the one or more processors, to cause the NTN node to output the signal that indicates the location associated with the TN node cell, are configured to cause the NTN node to: output, based at least in part on a location of a user equipment (UE), a unicast signal that indicates the location associated with the TN node cell.

26. A method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising: obtaining an indication of a location associated with a terrestrial network (TN) node cell that at least partially overlaps a non-TN (NTN) node cell; andperforming, based at least in part on the location associated with the TN node cell, a location associated with the UE, and the UE being camped on the NTN node cell, a cell search for the TN node cell.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising: performing, based at least in part on the cell search, a cell measurement for the TN node cell.

28. The method of claim 26, further comprising: performing, based at least in part on the cell search, one or more mobility operations associated with the TN node cell.

29. A method of wireless communication performed by a non-terrestrial network (NTN) node, comprising: obtaining an indication of a location associated with a terrestrial network (TN) node cell that at least partially overlaps with a non-TN (NTN) node cell associated with the NTN node; and outputting a signal that indicates the location associated with the TN node cell.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the signal is a system information block (SIB) that indicates the location associated with the TN node cell.

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